December 16, 2020
College of Education scholars present at virtual international conference
Scholars in the College of Education's curriculum and instruction department were invited to present virtually at an international instructional design conference at the University of Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after publishing an article in a university-hosted journal.
"'Women Who Wail': An Auto-Ethnographic Study of Four Latina Educators and the Heroines who Shaped their Understanding of Critical Pedagogies" appeared in the special edition titled "The Heroine's Path: Narratives, Gender and Diversity," published by the University of Palermo. The conference was held late summer.
The article's co-authors were: Eileen Wertzberger, field experiences coordinator and doctoral candidate; Ana Mendonca, graduate teaching assistant and doctoral candidate; Elizabeth Minchala, ESL instructor, graduate teaching assistant and Ph.D. candidate; Latania Marr, graduate teaching assistant and educational doctoral. candidate; and Kay Ann Taylor, associate professor of curriculum and instruction.
Wertzberger was the lead author.
"The process of writing this auto-ethnography with three other Latinas in the college was a rewarding experience because we were able to have conversations about what it meant to be an educator and discuss the educators who influenced and inspired us to fight for social justice," Wertzberger said. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Taylor for helping us unify our voice and maintain vision and focus. Without her wisdom, guidance and support, this article may have been relegated to history as just another good idea."
Marr presented on behalf of the group.
"I was honored to present about the lives of these heroic women on an international stage in the language of my heritage, Spanish," Marr said. "Many don't realize the impact these "lloronas" — weeping women — have had on our world. Their cry for justice and respect for women across disciplines and international borders is heard in each of their stories. It was humbling to discuss how these strong women have influenced our lives as well as the lives of so many others who are fighting for so many worldly causes."